The Canadian province of Manitoba is proposing legislation to fulfill its Kyoto commitment to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs), according to Premier Gary Doer.
The new law would require Manitoba to meet its Kyoto commitment by 2012 and set long-term goals for further GHG reductions by 2020 and 2025. In order to meet its Kyoto commitments, Manitoba must reduce its annual emissions to 17 megatonnes (MT) from approximately 20 MT. To get there, the first goal is to reduce GHGs below 2000 levels by 2010.
‘Because Manitoba is powered by hydro and our GHG emissions are already lower than many other jurisdictions, there isn't a simple, single action that will get us to our targets,’ says Doer. ‘We will work with the people of Manitoba, all sectors of industry, and the federal and municipal governments to reduce emissions across the board and continue to build a green economy.’
The proposed legislation is supported by more than $145 million in investments over four years and specific actions that will be released with the community in the coming weeks. These actions include:
– a new coal-reduction strategy, including a tax on coal emissions, capital support for coal-reliant industries to convert to cleaner energy and support for developing biomass;
– action on the largest emitters, including closing down Manitoba Hydro's coal-fired electricity plant in Brandon, except to support emergency operations, and capturing methane in large landfills;
– clean energy expansion, including energy-efficiency initiatives and the further development of hydro, wind and geothermal; and
– forming coalitions with other Canadian provinces, U.S. states and other like-minded jurisdictions to share best practices, funding of new research and innovation opportunities, and meeting broader, regional targets like those set by the Western Climate Initiative.
